Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleAssistant Geologist/Geologist Trainee - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $65001 to $91381 Annually
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Minimum Qualifications for candidates eligible for 55-b/55-c appointment, 70.4 transfer, or NY HELPS appointment:
Geologist Trainee, NS: bachelor's degree or higher in earth science, engineering geology, environmental geology, environmental geosciences, geochemistry, geological engineering, geology, geological science, geophysics, or hydrogeology.
Assistant Geologist, G-20: bachelor's degree or higher in, earth science, engineering geology, environmental geology, environmental geosciences, geochemistry, geological engineering, geology, geological science, geophysics, or hydrogeology, AND:
Either 1. proof of passing the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination,
OR 2. a professional geologist licensure with current registration.
This position is also open to the following candidates:
Reassignment Eligible - Those currently in the title and employed by DEC
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Those who have previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer Eligible - Those with one year of permanent competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law.
55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications (see above) and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55- b/55-c program.
Individuals appointed as a Geologist Trainee are required to complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as a Geologist Trainee and pass the National Association of State Boards of Geologist's Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination. If you pass the FG by the end of the first year, you may be advanced to the Grade 20 Assistant Geologist title without further examination. If you do not pass the FG by the end of the second year of the traineeship, you will be terminated from your position.
NOTE: In accordance with Chapter 475 of the Laws of 2014, all professional geologists in New York State must obtain licensure under Title VIII of the Education Law; based on this, you will be required to obtain your professional geology license in order to be promoted in the future.
Duties Description Candidate will serve as a Spill Responder/Project Manager in DEC’s Spills Response and Petroleum Remediation program. Coverage area will include the nine counties within DEC Region 7 with a focus on the counties in the southern part of Region 7. Primary responsibilities include the following:
• Respond to spills both during the workday and after-hours.
• Directly communicate with first responders, homeowners, and contractors; directing cleanups and explaining the Oil Spill Fund program and cost recovery process.
• Collect data and evidence to identify source, cause, and potential responsible parties for spills.
• Retain, oversee and manage State contractors where appropriate for Petroleum and Hazardous Material spill cleanups.
• Use knowledge of science to ensure proper cleanup is completed for both short- and long-term remedial work.
• Complete inspection reports while onsite and update the spills database in a timely manner.
• Provide guidance regarding proper cleanup procedures, transport and disposal of spill debris to other responders and stakeholders.
• Review and evaluate investigative reports, work plans, remedial action plans and spill closure reports for completeness and accuracy.
• Advise the Regional Spill Engineer and other Region/Division supervisors of significant events,
• Track and control spill truck maintenance measures,
• Review and approve payment applications for State contractors in a prompt manner and prepare Investigative Summary Reports (ISRs) for cost recovery in a prompt, complete and thorough manner.
• Assist the State Comptroller's and Attorney General's office with cost recovery as needed.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a critical requirement of this position as the successful candidate must be able to convey complex information to the public, other emergency response personnel, regional staff and central office staff.
Candidate will be expected to manage multiple projects simultaneously and according to site-specific or program specific time schedules.
Some field work may involve working around heavy machinery such as drill rigs and construction equipment. Other position related requirements are listed in the Additional Comments section below.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required. Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain. Must be able to work in remote areas. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions. Travel may be required. Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be available for emergency response. Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies. Must provide 24-hour response on a rotational basis and work during normal business hours. Must successfully complete (or have completed) the 40-hour OSHA 1910.120 training course and all other required training. Must complete an annual Health and Safety Program including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40 (or 8) hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification. Must be able to lift and move objects up to 40 pounds.Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.